Attempted street robbery in Sunderland as woman is grabbed by attacker

Fiona Thompson

A would-be robber demanded cash and cigarettes after targeting a woman as she walked down a Wearside street.

The incident happened between 7.05am and 7.44am yesterday when a woman was followed by a man as she walked on Queen Street, off Leechmere Way.

The offender grabbed her by her clothing before demanding money and cigarettes.

The woman managed to break free and the offender made off empty handed.

The offender is described as a white man, 5ft 7in tall, between 20 and 30-years-old, with dark hair and stubble.

He was wearing jeans and a short sleeved t-shirt.

Anyone who may have been in the area at the time and have information to help is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference 203 01/07/15 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.